'''Be'er Sheva''' (also spelled '''Beersheba''', ''Hebrew'' &#1489;&#1488;&#1512; &#1513;&#1489;&#1506;) is a desert city of approximately 200,000 inhabitants in southern [[Israel]]. It is the sixth largest city in the country and is very much the gateway to the [[Negev]] region of Israel. The city is spread out by Israeli standards, as there is no shortage of land in the desert, and there isn't much of a downtown, except for a few streets in the old Turkish quarter. While Beer Sheva is mostly middle class, it does have three wealthy satellite suburbs with manicured landscapes, private villas and a Palm Springs feel to them: [[Omer]], [[Metar]] and [[Lehavim]]. A few Bedouin villages surround the city as well. Some feature tribal attractions which are worth a visit include [[Rahat]], [[Tel Sheva]], [[Hura]] and [[Laqiya]]. In Beer Sheva itself, some modern/experimental architecture was been explored in the 1960s. Today, this is found mostly in government and public buildings, including the Ben Gurion University and Soroka Hospital buildings.

+

'''Be'er Sheva''' (also spelled '''Beersheba''', ''Hebrew'' &#1489;&#1488;&#1512; &#1513;&#1489;&#1506;) is a desert city of approximately 200,000 inhabitants in southern [[Israel]]. It is the sixth largest city in the country and is very much the gateway to the [[Negev]] region of Israel. The city is spread out by Israeli standards, as there is no shortage of land in the desert, and there isn't much of a downtown, except for a few streets in the old Turkish quarter. While Beer Sheva is mostly middle class, it does have three wealthy satellite suburbs with manicured landscapes, private villas and a Palm Springs feel to them: [[Omer]], [[Metar]] and [[Lehavim]]. A few Bedouin villages surround the city as well. Some feature tribal attractions which are worth a visit, including [[Rahat]], [[Tel Sheva]], [[Hura]] and [[Laqiya]]. In Beer Sheva itself, some modern/experimental architecture was built in the 1960s. Today, this is found mostly in government and public buildings, including the Ben Gurion University and Soroka Hospital buildings.

==Understand==

==Understand==

−

Beer Sheva is at first sight highly disappointing for any visitor. As one enters the city, the oversized avenues and partially run down residential building blocks from the fifties and sixties make for an unwelcoming first impression. However, Beer Sheva can be of interest for any traveller who wishes to experience Israel off-the-beaten-track and there might be no better place to do this, since not even most Israelis are aware that Beer Sheva can be much more than only a stopover on the way to Eilat. The old Turkish town, as run down as it might be, has a very distinct feel and a is hugely underrated: it is the only planned Ottoman city in the entire region, erected in 1900 for strategic reasons in order to secure the Negev region and to control the revolting Beduin population. Today, the architectural and historical jewels, culinary highlights, highly welcoming people and the provincial atmosphere of Beer Sheva allow for the visitor to explore the "normal" and "unpretentious" Israel beyond Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. In addition to that, Beer Sheva offers a vibrant student community - based around the University - which has developed a great nightlife one would never expect at first sight.

+

Beer Sheva is at first sight highly disappointing for any visitor. As one enters the city, the oversized avenues and partially run down residential building blocks from the fifties and sixties make for an unwelcoming first impression. However, Beer Sheva can be of interest for any traveller who wishes to experience Israel off-the-beaten-track and there might be no better place to do this, since not even most Israelis are aware that Beer Sheva can be much more than only a stopover on the way to Eilat. The old Turkish town, as run down as it might be, has a very distinct feel and a is hugely underrated: it is the only planned Ottoman city in the entire region, erected in 1900 for strategic reasons in order to secure the Negev region and to control the restive Bedouin population. Today, the architectural and historical jewels, culinary highlights, highly welcoming people and the provincial atmosphere of Beer Sheva allow for the visitor to explore the "normal" and "unpretentious" Israel beyond Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. In addition to that, Beer Sheva offers a vibrant student community - based around the University - which has developed a great nightlife one would never expect at first sight.

−

Beer Sheva and its surroundings give a feel of Israels strength. On the way down from the North, endless fields with agriculture have replaced desolate dessert; as Jesajah prophecied: "Thirsty deserts will be glad; barren lands will celebrate and blossom with flowers". Also, like Tel-Aviv, a modern sky-skraper city has been created out of virtually nothing. Yet, an exciting feel of desert has remained, as Beer Sheva looks with one side right into the Negev desert.

+

Beer Sheva and its surroundings give a feel of Israel's strength. On the way down from the North, endless fields with agriculture have replaced desolate dessert; as Isaiah prophesied: "Thirsty deserts will be glad; barren lands will celebrate and blossom with flowers". Also, like Tel-Aviv, a modern skyskraper city has been created out of virtually nothing. Yet, an exciting feel of desert has remained, as Beer Sheva looks with one side right into the Negev desert.

=== History ===

=== History ===

Line 40:

Line 40:

===By bus===

===By bus===

−

* From Tel Aviv: Take line 380 from Arlozorov Terminal, or line 370 from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. The trip costs only 13 NIS. Both take about 1.5 hours.

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* From Tel Aviv: Take line 380 from Arlozorov Terminal, or line 370 from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. The trip costs only 16.5 NIS. Both take about 1.5 hours.

−

* From Jerusalem: From central bus station - line 470, 32 NIS, one and a half hours; line 446, 32 NIS, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

+

* From Jerusalem: From central bus station - line 470, 30 NIS, one and a half hours; line 446, 30 NIS, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

==Get around==

==Get around==

−

Beersheva is served by buses (NIS4). Most of these depart from behind the central bus station (on your right when getting off from an inter-city bus). If coming in by train, these will be on your left when coming out of the train station. Most taxi cabs in the city will take you anywhere else in the city for around 20 shekels.

+

Beersheva is served by buses (NIS4.2). Most of these depart from behind the central bus station (on your right when getting off from an inter-city bus). If coming in by train, these will be on your left when coming out of the train station. Most taxi cabs in the city will take you anywhere else in the city for around 20 shekels.

==See==

==See==

* <see name="Abraham's Well" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimeleh. </see>

* <see name="Abraham's Well" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimeleh. </see>

* <see name="Negev Brigade Memorial" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located on a hill to the west of the city, this large monument made out of concrete, commemorates symbolically the different aspects of the Negev Brigade which conquered the Negev region in Israel's War of Independance. There is a superb view on the city and its surroundings from this site.</see>

+

* <see name="Negev Brigade Memorial" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located on a hill to the west of the city, this large monument made out of concrete, commemorates symbolically the different aspects of the Negev Brigade which conquered the Negev region in Israel's War of Independence. There is a superb view on the city and its surroundings from this site.</see>

* <see name="Negev Museum" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Located in the residence of the Turkish governor in the Old Town, this small museum contains an art collection and has changing exhibits.</see>

* <see name="Negev Museum" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Located in the residence of the Turkish governor in the Old Town, this small museum contains an art collection and has changing exhibits.</see>

* <see name="Old Turkish Town (Old City)" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">The Old Town was planned by Turkish and German engineers at the end of the 19th century. Its streets form a grid (very uncommon in the region). Many buildings date from Turkish times and have secret gardens behind high walls. Rehabilitated Smilansky Street has the best preserved buildings. Additionally there is a wide array of cheap stores and excellent ethnic restaurants and bars.</see>

* <see name="Old Turkish Town (Old City)" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">The Old Town was planned by Turkish and German engineers at the end of the 19th century. Its streets form a grid (very uncommon in the region). Many buildings date from Turkish times and have secret gardens behind high walls. Rehabilitated Smilansky Street has the best preserved buildings. Additionally there is a wide array of cheap stores and excellent ethnic restaurants and bars.</see>

−

* <see name="British WWI Military Cemetery" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located just next the the Old Town, this cemetery is the resting place of British, Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) soldiers which have fought against the Turks in the First World War.</see>

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* <see name="British WWI Military Cemetery" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Located just next the the Old Town, this cemetery is the resting place of British, Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) soldiers who fought against the Turks in the First World War.</see>

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* <see name="Beduin Market" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located just outside of the city on the Road to Eilat, this market takes place every Thursday morning. Beduin merchandize can be found next to a wide array of other products.</see>

+

* <see name="Bedouin Market" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located just outside of the city on the Road to Eilat, this market takes place every Thursday morning. Bedouin merchandise can be found next to a wide array of other products.</see>

−

* <see name="Municipal Market" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located between the Old Town and the central bus station is a vibrant market for any kind of merchandize.</see>

+

* <see name="Municipal Market" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Located between the Old Town and the central bus station is a vibrant market for any kind of merchandize.</see>

* <see name="Tel Beer Sheva Archeological Park" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located outside the city to its east (next to Omer), this archeological park is a [[World Heritage Site]] and one of the top sites to explore how people have lived in Biblical times.</see>

* <see name="Tel Beer Sheva Archeological Park" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located outside the city to its east (next to Omer), this archeological park is a [[World Heritage Site]] and one of the top sites to explore how people have lived in Biblical times.</see>

* <see name="Ben-Gurion University of the Negev" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located in the northern part of town on the road to Tel Aviv, this renowned university has a vibrant campus with many buildings designed by famous architects. There are two art galleries located in the Senate Building and in the Library, a small museum of medical history in the building of the Medical Faculty and many small exhibits in the buildings of the different faculties.</see>

* <see name="Ben-Gurion University of the Negev" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Located in the northern part of town on the road to Tel Aviv, this renowned university has a vibrant campus with many buildings designed by famous architects. There are two art galleries located in the Senate Building and in the Library, a small museum of medical history in the building of the Medical Faculty and many small exhibits in the buildings of the different faculties.</see>

Line 62:

Line 62:

==Do==

==Do==

−

* A few miles south is a modern desert spa facility, an oasis with natural hot mineral water springs "Neve Midbar". Hanging water pipes dump hot spring water on your back with such intensity, its like shiatsu without the massuese! Opens till late. 45 Shekels entrance .

+

* A few miles south is a modern desert spa facility, an oasis with natural hot mineral water springs "Neve Midbar". Hanging water pipes dump hot spring water on your back with such intensity, it's like shiatsu without the masseuse! Opens till late. 45 Shekels entrance .

* drive road 40 to Eilat for about half an hour; turn left for lake Yeroham, a natural oasis. Very shallow water, but if you stay horizontal you may swim/wade around; water smelled OK. No entrance fee. From there drive through Yeroham to the 'large crater' and mount Arnon; it's just a few miles ahead, and has magnificent views.

* drive road 40 to Eilat for about half an hour; turn left for lake Yeroham, a natural oasis. Very shallow water, but if you stay horizontal you may swim/wade around; water smelled OK. No entrance fee. From there drive through Yeroham to the 'large crater' and mount Arnon; it's just a few miles ahead, and has magnificent views.

−

* Go back to raod 40, a few minutes further south, and swim in deeper water in Golda Meir park, near Revivim. Also, no entrance fee and well smelling water.

+

* Go back to road 40, drive a few minutes further south, and swim in deeper water in Golda Meir park, near Revivim. Also, no entrance fee and good-smelling water.

==Learn==

==Learn==

The '''[http://www.bgu.ac.il/osp/ Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Student Program]''' at the [http://www.bgu.ac.il/ Ben-Gurion University of the Negev] offers a wide array of short and long-term Hebrew language and academic studies. For German speaking students the [http://www.bgu.ac.il/zis German Language Summer University] is organized yearly.

The '''[http://www.bgu.ac.il/osp/ Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Student Program]''' at the [http://www.bgu.ac.il/ Ben-Gurion University of the Negev] offers a wide array of short and long-term Hebrew language and academic studies. For German speaking students the [http://www.bgu.ac.il/zis German Language Summer University] is organized yearly.

−

The Medical School for International Health at the [http://www.msihmd.org/ Ben-Gurion University of the Negev] offers an MD program for North Americans.

+

The Medical School for International Health at the [http://www.msih.net/ Ben-Gurion University of the Negev] offers an MD program for North Americans.

The MAPMES (Master of Arts Program in Middle Eastern Studies) offers an English-language M.A. program to international students.

The MAPMES (Master of Arts Program in Middle Eastern Studies) offers an English-language M.A. program to international students.

Line 196:

Line 196:

Lots of water, it's in the desert.

Lots of water, it's in the desert.

−

And then,

+

And then, go into the student pubs around the university during the semester in order to sense the country-wide famous student life of the city. The pubs around the university are: '''Publo''', '''Rosa''', '''Manga''', '''Munchilla''', '''Coca''', '''Black & White''' and '''Einstein'''.

−

Go into the student pubs around the university during the semester in order to sense the country-wide famous student life of the city. The pubs around the university are: '''Publo''', '''Rosa''', '''Manga''', '''Munchilla''', '''Coca''', '''Black & White''' and '''Einstein'''.

Beer Sheva is a convenient departure point for excursions to [[Arad (Israel)|Arad]] and elsewhere in the [[Negev]].

Beer Sheva is a convenient departure point for excursions to [[Arad (Israel)|Arad]] and elsewhere in the [[Negev]].

−

Two good rental car agencies across from the train station (daily rate for automatic 200 Shekels - $45 on a walk in basis), but be careful' police inspectors are on the lookout for traffic and parking violations

+

Two good rental car agencies across from the train station (daily rate for automatic 200 Shekels - $45 on a walk in basis), but be careful: police inspectors are on the lookout for traffic and parking violations

{{usable}}

{{usable}}

Revision as of 23:21, 9 March 2013

Be'er Sheva (also spelled Beersheba, Hebrew באר שבע) is a desert city of approximately 200,000 inhabitants in southern Israel. It is the sixth largest city in the country and is very much the gateway to the Negev region of Israel. The city is spread out by Israeli standards, as there is no shortage of land in the desert, and there isn't much of a downtown, except for a few streets in the old Turkish quarter. While Beer Sheva is mostly middle class, it does have three wealthy satellite suburbs with manicured landscapes, private villas and a Palm Springs feel to them: Omer, Metar and Lehavim. A few Bedouin villages surround the city as well. Some feature tribal attractions which are worth a visit, including Rahat, Tel Sheva, Hura and Laqiya. In Beer Sheva itself, some modern/experimental architecture was built in the 1960s. Today, this is found mostly in government and public buildings, including the Ben Gurion University and Soroka Hospital buildings.

Contents

Understand

Beer Sheva is at first sight highly disappointing for any visitor. As one enters the city, the oversized avenues and partially run down residential building blocks from the fifties and sixties make for an unwelcoming first impression. However, Beer Sheva can be of interest for any traveller who wishes to experience Israel off-the-beaten-track and there might be no better place to do this, since not even most Israelis are aware that Beer Sheva can be much more than only a stopover on the way to Eilat. The old Turkish town, as run down as it might be, has a very distinct feel and a is hugely underrated: it is the only planned Ottoman city in the entire region, erected in 1900 for strategic reasons in order to secure the Negev region and to control the restive Bedouin population. Today, the architectural and historical jewels, culinary highlights, highly welcoming people and the provincial atmosphere of Beer Sheva allow for the visitor to explore the "normal" and "unpretentious" Israel beyond Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. In addition to that, Beer Sheva offers a vibrant student community - based around the University - which has developed a great nightlife one would never expect at first sight.
Beer Sheva and its surroundings give a feel of Israel's strength. On the way down from the North, endless fields with agriculture have replaced desolate dessert; as Isaiah prophesied: "Thirsty deserts will be glad; barren lands will celebrate and blossom with flowers". Also, like Tel-Aviv, a modern skyskraper city has been created out of virtually nothing. Yet, an exciting feel of desert has remained, as Beer Sheva looks with one side right into the Negev desert.

History

Beer Sheva's importance is its function as a central place for the entire Negev. Historically it developed because of the many wells, the most famous of it being "Abraham's Well".

Biblically, the site of Beersheba is where Abraham and his son Isaac made oaths of non-aggression with the Philistines, represented by a king named Abimelech. Abraham lived in the city for 26 years and his son Isaac lived there for many years as well. It is from there that Jacob set out on his journey to "Haran" the birthplace of his mother, to flee from his brother Esau.

Beersheba is also mentioned in Joshua 19:2. It was the southernmost city of Israel in Biblical times - hence the expression "from Dan to Beersheba" was sometimes used to describe the whole kingdom.

Name

Between the two Abimelech stories in Genesis, there are several different possible etymologies for Beersheba's name:

in memory of the oath of Abraham and Abimelech (well of the oath)

in memory of seven wells dug by Isaac (seven wells), though only three or four are identified

in memory of the oath of Isaac and Abimelech (well of the oath)

in memory of the seven ewes which stood witness to Abraham and Abimelech's oath (well of the seven).

In Hebrew, the word for oath, "shava" and seven, "sheva" are essentially the same, hence some scholars think that the name Be'er Sheva always referred to the original oath between Abraham and Abimelech and the seven ewes were simply a sign of peace as was customary in those times.

By air

By bus

From Tel Aviv: Take line 380 from Arlozorov Terminal, or line 370 from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. The trip costs only 16.5 NIS. Both take about 1.5 hours.

From Jerusalem: From central bus station - line 470, 30 NIS, one and a half hours; line 446, 30 NIS, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Get around

Beersheva is served by buses (NIS4.2). Most of these depart from behind the central bus station (on your right when getting off from an inter-city bus). If coming in by train, these will be on your left when coming out of the train station. Most taxi cabs in the city will take you anywhere else in the city for around 20 shekels.

See

Abraham's Well. Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimeleh.

Israel Air Force Museum, ☎+972-8-9906853 (fax: +972-8-9906314). Open every day except Saturday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (Fridays until 1.00 pm). Located next to Kibbutz Hatserim 5 km to the West of Beer Sheva. The museum displays historical airplanes of the Israeli Air Force.

Negev Brigade Memorial. Located on a hill to the west of the city, this large monument made out of concrete, commemorates symbolically the different aspects of the Negev Brigade which conquered the Negev region in Israel's War of Independence. There is a superb view on the city and its surroundings from this site.

Negev Museum. Located in the residence of the Turkish governor in the Old Town, this small museum contains an art collection and has changing exhibits.

Municipal Zoological Garden. Located at the North-Western entrance to the city, this Zoo displays many indigenous animals.

Old Turkish Town (Old City). The Old Town was planned by Turkish and German engineers at the end of the 19th century. Its streets form a grid (very uncommon in the region). Many buildings date from Turkish times and have secret gardens behind high walls. Rehabilitated Smilansky Street has the best preserved buildings. Additionally there is a wide array of cheap stores and excellent ethnic restaurants and bars.

British WWI Military Cemetery. Located just next the the Old Town, this cemetery is the resting place of British, Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) soldiers who fought against the Turks in the First World War.

Bedouin Market. Located just outside of the city on the Road to Eilat, this market takes place every Thursday morning. Bedouin merchandise can be found next to a wide array of other products.

Municipal Market. Located between the Old Town and the central bus station is a vibrant market for any kind of merchandize.

Tel Beer Sheva Archeological Park. Located outside the city to its east (next to Omer), this archeological park is a World Heritage Site and one of the top sites to explore how people have lived in Biblical times.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Located in the northern part of town on the road to Tel Aviv, this renowned university has a vibrant campus with many buildings designed by famous architects. There are two art galleries located in the Senate Building and in the Library, a small museum of medical history in the building of the Medical Faculty and many small exhibits in the buildings of the different faculties.

Do

A few miles south is a modern desert spa facility, an oasis with natural hot mineral water springs "Neve Midbar". Hanging water pipes dump hot spring water on your back with such intensity, it's like shiatsu without the masseuse! Opens till late. 45 Shekels entrance .

Go clubbing at the Forum Club, Baraka Club or the גרDraft Dance Bar.

Play billiards at Interpol or go bowling next door to it.

drive road 40 to Eilat for about half an hour; turn left for lake Yeroham, a natural oasis. Very shallow water, but if you stay horizontal you may swim/wade around; water smelled OK. No entrance fee. From there drive through Yeroham to the 'large crater' and mount Arnon; it's just a few miles ahead, and has magnificent views.

Go back to road 40, drive a few minutes further south, and swim in deeper water in Golda Meir park, near Revivim. Also, no entrance fee and good-smelling water.

The MAPMES (Master of Arts Program in Middle Eastern Studies) offers an English-language M.A. program to international students.

Eat

24 hour dining at Nafis located at the BIG mega shopping compound.
There are also Chinese, Italian, French, Ethiopian, Argentinean, Brazilian, Indian, Bulgarian, Moroccan, Yemenite, Russian, Japanese, Spanish and many Middle Eastern restaurants in town which are moderately pricy. Beer Sheva's culinary offer is spectacular and reflects the cultural backgrounds of the inhabitants of this multi-ethnic city. Locations do change frequently and the restaurants are sometimes located in residential neighborhoods, so advice from locals (and especially students) can be essential.

The major concentrations of restaurants are:

- in the Old Town either on the pedestrianized Keren-Kayemet Street (Bulgarian Restaurant) or Smilansky Street (Shabazi, Ahuzat Halperin, Bilbao, Beit haFul, Arabica, Mate Midbar)

- in the Civic Center (new city centre) close to the central train and bus stations (Arigato, Kapulski, Mor Noodle Bar, Saba Jebetto)

- around the main campus of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (mainly Dalet neighborhood) (Gatro, Small India, Ringelblum, Hummus Hamsa, and the highly recommended SUSHI Ishimoto at Derech Metsada street , and a Mehadrin Kosher shwarma place Falafel Liberty at 50 Merkaz Oren with very generous servings...)

Arcaffe - New side of the Big center S (free wireless, good place to study)

Clubs

Forum Factor - Kiriat Yehudit, Industrial Park (08-626-2555)

The Q - Kiriat Yehudit, Industrial Park

Baraka - 70 Shoshet Bnei Ein Harod, Old City (08-628-7111)

Red Bar - BIG Shopping Center

Chika - 4 HaSadna St, Derekh Hevron (08-690-0330)

Pubs

Belfast Irish Pub - Mitcham Slavador (08-623-7723)

Izzy - Intersection, Omer South (052 270 0796)

Publo - Near Dalet Dormitories

Coca - 50 Arlozarov, behind Gimmel Dormitories

Cazma Lounge Bar - 50 Arlozarov

Moncheela - Gimel, opposite Coca (052 2626 266)

SanGam - Merkaz HaNegev

Manga - Teacher's Center, Rager St

Drink

Lots of water, it's in the desert.

And then, go into the student pubs around the university during the semester in order to sense the country-wide famous student life of the city. The pubs around the university are: Publo, Rosa, Manga, Munchilla, Coca, Black & White and Einstein.

Irish pub Belfast'.

Sleep

Leonardo Hotel, 4 Hennrieta Szold St

Hotel Arava, 37 Histadrut st

Hotel Eshel, 56 Histadrut st

Hotel Hanegev, 26 Independence st

Beit Yatsiv Youth Hostel

The Desert Inn

Mashabim Holiday Village (Mashabim Holiday Village), D.N. Halutza 85510 on Route 40 (Beer Sheva-Mitzpe Ramon-Eilat), ☎972-8-6565134/6, [1]. Mashabim is an excellent point of exit to a wide range of challenging, desert field trips.

Get out

Beer Sheva is a convenient departure point for excursions to Arad and elsewhere in the Negev.
Two good rental car agencies across from the train station (daily rate for automatic 200 Shekels - $45 on a walk in basis), but be careful: police inspectors are on the lookout for traffic and parking violations

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!